Resilience and Reflection
As I look back on 2024, I can only describe it as a roller coaster—a year filled with moments of joy, deep sorrow, and everything in between. Life had a way of keeping me on my toes, and through it all, I found strength, love, and resilience.
January
The year began with my working part-time as a waitress at Sauer’s in addition to my normal 40+ hour-a-week job. Mondays brought about life coaching with Lisa, a journey of self-discovery and growth that helped me navigate many of the challenges ahead.
February & March
March brought a significant scare—a breast cancer concern that shook me to my core. The uncertainty and waiting were agonizing, but it was a moment that made me appreciate my health and the people who supported me through it.
April
We celebrated Judy and Keagan’s birthdays, moments that reminded me to cherish family and the happiness that birthdays bring.
May
A month of milestones—Craig, Asher, and I all celebrated birthdays, and we watched with pride as Jess graduated from college, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
June
Another round of birthdays—Brad, Matthew, Mom, and Dad. But the biggest change came when Keagan moved in, shifting the dynamic of daily life in unexpected ways.
July
We celebrated Aubrey’s birthday and enjoyed a much-needed vacation. In a major life step, Brad bought a house, marking a new beginning for him. It was also the month I left my job at Sauer’s, a decision that led me into the next season of my life.
August
Lukas’s birthday brought joy, but the month was also defined by new beginnings and heartbreaking goodbyes. On the 18th, we adopted Dipper and Daisy, two little souls who quickly found a place in our hearts. Just days later, on the 23rd, we had to say goodbye to Lucy, a painful loss that left an empty space in our home and hearts.
September
We celebrated Sommer and Jessi’s birthdays, and Jess embarked on her Master’s degree journey, proving her dedication to growth and learning.
October
A shift in my routine—my coaching with Lisa came to an end. The month also brought celebrations for Kadon and Nathan’s birthdays, moments of light and laughter amid the changing seasons.
November
We gathered for Thanksgiving, and as we all held our breath, we were so grateful that Dad remembered the prayer all on his own! When complimented on his prayer and the fact that he remembered, he said “Well – I’ve said it enough times. Why wouldn’t I remember it?” (Dementia be damned!)
December
The final month of the year was the hardest. A diagnosis of endometrial cancer brought fear and uncertainty. Despite that, there were moments of joy, like the family Christmas painting event on the 15th and the start of a three-week vacation the next day. Lisa’s birthday on the 19th was marked by Dad’s declining health—he couldn’t get out of bed. Then, the deepest heartbreak of all came on the 30th, when we lost Dad.
As I reflect on this year, I see a tapestry woven with both pain and love, loss and celebration. 2024 was a year that tested me, but it also reminded me of the importance of family, the resilience within me, and the beauty of the moments—big and small—that shape our lives. As I step into the new year, I carry the memories, lessons, and love of those who walked this journey with me.
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